vhawk12

Dude, upstairs at BassPro, there is a whole rack with all the waders they had (including the Simms G4 with zips) + neoprenes, and there were a bunch of wading boots up there too.

Had it happen to me on the Northwest branch, it got caught up in my line, the 10" Cutty got away and my dad tailed the Bull it in a shallow riffle. It taped out at 29", we took a pic, and my Grandpa had it to show all of his buddies, he's since passed on and I can't find it at my Gram's house. If I ever do find it, I'll be sure to post it on here.

I fell for calling the "do not call list" number for cell phones....which was really just a way of compiling a bunch of cell numbers and now I get those crap calls all the time...but ya, call display helps! Oh, and I say hello only once, clearly, if I don't hear anything, I just hang up.

I carry spray, but I do have a problem with that study. I would bet that most of those bears have never encountered a human before, same goes for being in a remote heli-accessed area, so bears probably take off just at the sight of humans. What about bears in the park or in Kananaskis who've seen lots of humans and aren't easily deterred? My dad has some bangers, whistlers and flares. He shot one off last fall on our way home from a trip, it was dusk and the thing whistled and sparked out and then banged at the end. I would think the whole production would be enough to scare something off, but I see the possibility of spooking something toward you. I also think that there's also a few different directions the bear could take off....bang behind, not sure about what's standing in front of him/her and they take off right or left. If the banger on goes off behind the animal, it's not like they're going to necessarily put two and two together that you were the one that shot off the banger and attack you because of it, the only thing I could see happening is you getting stampeded if there was no where else for the bear to go. I'm pretty worried about bear attacks (or cougars for that matter), but I think my biggest worry is getting caught between a Sow and her cubs, that spells trouble right out of the gate! BTW, I think I'm going to get a horn too, that sounds like a pretty good idea. I seem to remember someone on FFA that told a story about a big ol griz coming up beside him, sniffing him up and down and then moving on...and the dude wet his pants (as would I!!)

As far as the patriotic retirement goes, one problem average age of professionals in downtown Calgary is 51 years old (ie. baby boomers)....there aren't a lot of "tweeners" and a slightly elevated number of "new grads". If all those 50+ guys were to retire tomorrow, there won't be enough people in the workforce to train their replacements. Those 50+ guys will have to be brought back on as consultants or something to train all of the new guys. Even at that I've read that there will be a huge demand for people in a year or so anyway when some of these people start to retire by their own choice (possibly delayed until some of their value in their investments return). As far as the economy, I still think no one knows for sure, which makes it hard for anyone to know how/when to start investing again. What I do know though is that I can actually stomach the idea of buying a house in Calgary, prices are lower, interest rates are lower. Will probably buy a new vehicle with the lower prices/interest rates too....all I need now is a job, ha ha...and there lies the rub! Gil...good for you man. You get one shot at life, and I don't want to leave with any regrets. People are always telling me...save for retirement, then enjoy it...well like someone said, you could get hit by a bus tomorrow! As long as I have a roof over my head and my kids have decent clothes and food on the table, I will treat myself once in a while (again, the job thing plays into this!)

Double-edged sword for me....been looking to start my career since graduation...haven't worked since September. Not many people hiring new grads right now (eventhough we are cheap). So the longer I go without a job, the more midweek fishing I get to do...but the more broke I get...Don't need any gear (there's always a "wish-list") so it'll just be the cost of gas for me, and a few flies. In fact, I'll be out tomorrow aft!!

My wife bought me one the other day at Safeway!

I've heard about them, but those pics look good to me....guess that's on my Father's day list...

Is that an Olympus? Nice macro on that baby!! (not to mention the underwater feature!!)

Is this the same Vibram as found in good quality hiking boots, mountaineering boots, etc.??? Or is it a special non-slip compund for fishing made by Vibram?

Ha ha, probably...but think about where you hold your remote control while watching TV....

As far as the original question goes...I know if you stick your keyfob by your head to unlock/lock your car (without piercings) it increases the range....didn't believe it until I tried it...(yes, you do feel kinda stupid)..so maybe the more metal the better for cell reception.

Does anyone know who handles this stuff in town? Or at least a good substitute? I've heard Flexi-body is good because it's quite elastic and quite thick to make good segmented bodies (also Oliver Edwards uses it, so you know it's good....he's like fly tying's Chuck Norris!!)

Website doesn't say the chutes are open, only Drifter and Gambler....says 51 runs open. Anyway, lots of snow to go around sounds like! I'll ask around at work tonight though (Ski Cellar)

I forgot to mention that during our family outing there the other day, all the staff was great, very friendly, even if they were just walking by with stock....that is EXCEPT for the fly-fishing area.....the two dudes in there didn't even say 'hi' or ask if I needed a hand, they were not busy and we were the only ones in there! I like to support local shops if the service is there (and it usually is), but if the wife and kids like going out to Bass Pro, we'll definately make a few trips there during the year, especially once the mall opens...there's not many shops that you can go to while the better half is shopping at her favorite stores!

That's what I thought, can anyone answer why those jackets seem soo short?

Can't beat a pair of breathable waders for $99 (the White River stuff)....also they had some Simms guide jackets (G4 I think...orange with grey) for $319, which I thought was cheap.

Was there today with the wife and kids...and we all really enjoyed it...That beast of a rainbow was chasing some of the smaller guys around and then it just jumped half out of the water and it splashed my son! I could definately see a fish jumping out of that tank. Anyway, I don't think I've ever walked into a store and been in awe right out of the gate....We walked in and just stopped and looked up for a couple minutes before we even moved! Fly fishing area is a little sparse for sure, but I would imagine it will grow with increased demand! That shooting game is fun too!

Right, I just have to get some specimens first!! So I'm kinda guessing right now I suppose!

So smaller than Oliver then? hmm.

Another question....Oliver says he ties his Ryac no smaller than a 12, what sizes do you guys tie the ryac and hydro in for the Bow/Alberta streams?

Yeah, I think I'd do some things differently, I think it has a few too many segments and is a little on the thicker side, but just to get the idea!

Here's a step by step of the Hydro, supposedly following Oliver Edwards pattern: http://www.flyforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=13731

They're talking about giving out careles driving charges instead of just a speeding ticket. Problem is, the law states that officers must physically be holding the driver's license in order to issue this ticket. So if you get one, fight it because if you get this charge it also amounts to a 50% surcharge on your insurance!!

Max has one of those Loop jackets, I'd be interested to know how he likes it!